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The Middle East Exchange

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In the face of regional turmoil, exacerbated by the rise of the Islamic State, many Arab governments are embracing a new solution-oriented agenda – focused on economic diversification, improved education systems, and private-sector-led growth – to stimulate reform and development. In “The Middle East Exchange” Project Syndicate, in partnership with Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, provides a unique global platform to help frame and stimulate regional and global debate on the vital development issues shaping Arab societies.

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  1. Ending Religious Violence in the Middle East
    Sharia law, refugee camp in Pakistan Veronique de Viguerie/Getty Images

    Ending Religious Violence in the Middle East

    Dec 8, 2016 Moha Ennaji argues that the problem is not Islam, but inadequate social and economic policies.

  2. Training for Gender Equality
    Female dentist students Kaveh Kazemi/Getty Images

    Training for Gender Equality

    Dec 1, 2016 Arib Ali Al-Mandhari recommends strategies for empowering women to play a more active role in Middle Eastern societies.

  3. Egypt and Tunisia’s Divergent Paths
    4th anniversary of Egypt Revolution Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

    Egypt and Tunisia’s Divergent Paths

    Nov 22, 2016 Ishac Diwan explores how each country's political system will determine its future economic prospects.

  4. An Economic Ultimatum for the Arab World
    5 year anniversary of Arab Spring Fethi Belaid/Getty Images

    An Economic Ultimatum for the Arab World

    Nov 16, 2016 Marwan Muasher says that unless Arab countries move away from rentierism, they risk another wave of uprisings.

  5. The Secret of Dubai’s Success
    Dubai Skyline Andrew Holbrooke/Getty Images

    The Secret of Dubai’s Success

    Nov 11, 2016 Yasser Al-Saleh explains how a city-state with limited resources became a global economic and cultural hub.

  6. Can Lebanon Escape the Resource Curse?
    Beruit Skyline Anwar Amro/Getty Images

    Can Lebanon Escape the Resource Curse?

    Nov 3, 2016 Nasser Saidi says the country could transform itself with oil and gas production if it adopts key reforms now.

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     thinks the effort to remove a lawless president can serve as an important signal to the rest of the world.
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